LANCASTER and Morecambe both ended up with losing draws in the weekend's Northern Premier League cricket action.

Chorley's Nigel Heaton was again in sparkling batting form against Morecambe in the match at Windsor Park, as the first part of a two game haul to take his season's runs aggregate beyond 500.

Against Morecambe on Saturday he contributed 65 to an attractive partnership of 104 for the fourth wicket with Jim Fazackerley (49). Opener Neil Bannister set the tone with 38 and some characteristic late hitting by Neil Senior (23 not out) ensured that Chorley gained the maximum three batting points in a total of 227-7.

Morecambe opener Mark Woodhead hit a quickfire 31 but after his departure the innings became bogged down, only skipper Paul Thornton with a fluent 69 hinting that a victory chase was still on Morecambe's agenda.

The visitors claimed the second batting point before their ninth wicket pair safely negotiated the last three overs to deny Chorley victory.

Iqbal Patel bowled well on a docile pitch to take four Morecambe wickets for 57. The winning draw brought Chorley nine points to Morecambe's four.

Rain left Lancaster with only a losing draw from their weekend game against Kendal at Lune Road.

Kendal, batting first, were as gloomy as the weather after seeing their first three batsmen make just 10 runs between them.

However, a fine stand by Terry Hunte, who made 73, and Kabir Khan which took their side on to 148 all out.

Graham Barnes was Lancaster's bowling star, taking a very useful 5 for 42.

However, any hopes of claiming victory were dashed by the appalling weather, which saw rain stop play with the home side on 58 for 3.

The results leave Morecambe down in fifth spot in the Northern Premier League table, while Lancaster are just three places from the bottom.

However, the second division table makes slightly happier reading for Lancaster, leaving them in fourth place, one above Morecambe.